Italian Wedding Soup – A Classic Italian-American Comfort Meal
Few dishes feel as warm and nostalgic as a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. With its delicate mini meatballs, tender greens, tiny pasta, and savory chicken broth, this classic Italian-American soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl.
Despite its romantic name, Italian wedding soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings. The name comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup” — referring to the perfect marriage of flavors between meat and greens. Over time, Italian immigrants brought the dish to America, where it evolved into the beloved homemade wedding soup recipe we know today.
If you’re craving a hearty yet light meal that feels nourishing and satisfying, this meatball soup with spinach is the answer.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup
This comforting chicken broth soup stands out for several reasons:
- Light yet filling
- Packed with flavor
- Perfect for cold weather
- Family-friendly
- Great for meal prep
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests. The tender meatballs add richness, while the greens keep it fresh and balanced.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic Italian-American soup:
For the Meatballs
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — do not overwork.
Roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Meatballs
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add Pasta
Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 7–8 minutes).
5. Add Spinach
Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
6. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan.
Serve hot with crusty bread.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix meatball ingredients and roll into small balls.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
- Add broth and meatballs; simmer 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season and serve with Parmesan.
Notes
The Secret to Tender Meatballs
The key to perfect mini meatballs is gentle mixing. Overworking the meat can make them tough. Rolling them small ensures quick cooking and the ideal bite-size texture for soup.
A mix of beef and pork creates richer flavor, but you can use all beef or even ground chicken if preferred.
Pasta Options for Wedding Soup
Traditionally, acini di pepe is used. However, these options also work beautifully:
- Orzo
- Ditalini
- Small shells
- Pearl couscous
Choose small pasta shapes that complement the delicate meatballs.
Variations to Try
Make It Lighter
Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
Add Extra Greens
Kale or escarole can replace spinach for a slightly heartier texture.
Make It Creamy
Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer broth.
Serving Suggestions
Italian wedding soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty Italian bread
- Garlic toast
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
It also makes an excellent starter for pasta dinners.
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze without pasta for best texture; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating Tip: Pasta absorbs broth over time. Add extra chicken broth when reheating if needed.
Nutritional Highlights
This homemade wedding soup recipe offers:
- High protein from meatballs
- Vitamins from fresh spinach and vegetables
- Comfort without heaviness
It’s hearty yet balanced — perfect for cozy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Italian wedding soup?
The name refers to the “marriage” of meat and greens, not an actual wedding event.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! The flavors deepen beautifully after a day in the fridge.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but fresh homemade meatballs offer superior flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless, comforting classic that brings warmth to every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Simple ingredients, rich flavor, and nourishing comfort — that’s the magic of this classic Italian-American soup.
